LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in San Leandro, CA
![Photo of Eryn Reeder, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8b060c3-9e66-4f67-8108-147175331b84/2/320x400.jpeg)
Eryn Reeder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Leandro, CA 94577 (Online Only)
You deserve to be seen, to be heard & to feel understood. I aim to support you in creating a safe space to explore your dreams, desires, wants, needs and challenges. I seek to co-create an empowering space for Black, POC, Queer and neurodivergent individuals. I come with deep understanding and empathy towards the unique challenges faced by those navigating intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. I am committed to providing compassionate and culturally competent care.
You deserve to be seen, to be heard & to feel understood. I aim to support you in creating a safe space to explore your dreams, desires, wants, needs and challenges. I seek to co-create an empowering space for Black, POC, Queer and neurodivergent individuals. I come with deep understanding and empathy towards the unique challenges faced by those navigating intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. I am committed to providing compassionate and culturally competent care.
![Photo of Anna Livak Hale, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7fe0188-0406-4b71-adf9-37125f7d0b69/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Livak Hale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94577 (Online Only)
I view therapy as a collaborative effort with my clients- you bring a desire to work on yourself, with all your strengths as well as challenges; I bring a warm, respectful, and clinically experienced therapy style that recognizes your inherent worth and capacity. We will work together to explore, understand, and support your healing journey using a variety of tools, collaborating to meet your needs. I welcome LGBTQIA+ folks, I am Kink positive, and believe in cultural humility and health at every size. I use a holistic approach that honors my client's innate healing wisdom- from mind, body, and spirit.
I view therapy as a collaborative effort with my clients- you bring a desire to work on yourself, with all your strengths as well as challenges; I bring a warm, respectful, and clinically experienced therapy style that recognizes your inherent worth and capacity. We will work together to explore, understand, and support your healing journey using a variety of tools, collaborating to meet your needs. I welcome LGBTQIA+ folks, I am Kink positive, and believe in cultural humility and health at every size. I use a holistic approach that honors my client's innate healing wisdom- from mind, body, and spirit.
![Photo of Margaret Jones - Jones Psychological Services, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82f9c2f9-d06f-44e7-a7dd-0d25d0a0ef17/2/320x400.png)
We work with adolescents, adults, couples, families, LGBT population and groups.
Our team of clinician's approach is to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients when they are facing emotionally traumatic events in their lives such as depression, anxiety, domestic violence , sexual abuse or substance use disorders. We take a proactive approach to our client's emotional healing by drawing on their individual strengths and guiding them to become collaborators of their own healing. We focus on supporting client to make healthy decisions that can help them feel empowered despite the impact of the events they have experienced.
We work with adolescents, adults, couples, families, LGBT population and groups.
Our team of clinician's approach is to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients when they are facing emotionally traumatic events in their lives such as depression, anxiety, domestic violence , sexual abuse or substance use disorders. We take a proactive approach to our client's emotional healing by drawing on their individual strengths and guiding them to become collaborators of their own healing. We focus on supporting client to make healthy decisions that can help them feel empowered despite the impact of the events they have experienced.
![Photo of Stacey Peyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a9e2fb7-1dd5-4d77-b6d7-757684d2d645/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Stacey Peyer and I have been a licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1989. I primarily work with adults. I am also a Certified Pet Loss Specialist. I work with adults who are dealing with relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, infertility, LGBTQ concerns, and Pet loss, including anticipatory grief and end of life decisions. I have a great deal of experience supporting social work students (and those studying related fields) in their career journeys.
My name is Stacey Peyer and I have been a licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1989. I primarily work with adults. I am also a Certified Pet Loss Specialist. I work with adults who are dealing with relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, infertility, LGBTQ concerns, and Pet loss, including anticipatory grief and end of life decisions. I have a great deal of experience supporting social work students (and those studying related fields) in their career journeys.
![Photo of Mayra Ruelas-Ramirez, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6318b4cc-9335-4f5a-9dad-c6c0def7e544/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hola! I am a bilingual LMFT. It is my priority to offer culturally responsive, social justice-oriented, LGBTQ+-affirming therapy that serve the unique needs of each client. Are you looking for a trauma-focused therapist that has experience working with individuals and families who have experienced single and or complex trauma events in childhood or adulthood and intergenerational trauma? I have experience working with trauma, family conflict, mood disorders, etc. I practice evidence-based treatments such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems and can tailor other techniques based on your needs.
Hola! I am a bilingual LMFT. It is my priority to offer culturally responsive, social justice-oriented, LGBTQ+-affirming therapy that serve the unique needs of each client. Are you looking for a trauma-focused therapist that has experience working with individuals and families who have experienced single and or complex trauma events in childhood or adulthood and intergenerational trauma? I have experience working with trauma, family conflict, mood disorders, etc. I practice evidence-based treatments such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems and can tailor other techniques based on your needs.
![Photo of Devera Jackson-Garber, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aab4d5a-2728-4a9e-8355-a426fee7c958/1/320x400.jpeg)
Devera Jackson-Garber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Leandro, CA 94578
As a queer Black Woman, I am deeply devoted to helping Queer Folx, Black Girls and Womxn live fulfilling and beautiful lives.
You are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated! As a Black Woman, Teen, Girl, and/or Queer person in a world that tries to stamp or silence you, you have survived some difficult things. Maybe someone significantly hurt you in childhood, or you experienced trauma as an adult. Maybe you lost someone and the grief feels unbearable. You have been trying to move on, but this "thing" just won't let you. Fortunately, there is help. You can recover and live a fulfilling life. You can feel more like yourself again and create the life that you want and deserve. A life of wholeness, joy, and freedom IS possible for you.
As a queer Black Woman, I am deeply devoted to helping Queer Folx, Black Girls and Womxn live fulfilling and beautiful lives.
You are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated! As a Black Woman, Teen, Girl, and/or Queer person in a world that tries to stamp or silence you, you have survived some difficult things. Maybe someone significantly hurt you in childhood, or you experienced trauma as an adult. Maybe you lost someone and the grief feels unbearable. You have been trying to move on, but this "thing" just won't let you. Fortunately, there is help. You can recover and live a fulfilling life. You can feel more like yourself again and create the life that you want and deserve. A life of wholeness, joy, and freedom IS possible for you.
![Photo of Dania March, MPH, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a3ef931-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dania March
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPH, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94577 (Online Only)
I really enjoy working with folks new to therapy and LGBTQIA+ community.
The line between what we want, need, and can deal with can be a juggling act. Striking a balance is not always easy. Think of your life as an overflowing suitcase. Consider what it would be like to have help opening that suitcase, and take out or adjust a few things in it to lessen the load. That's working with me. I aim to help you find and learn to value your truest self and work on how to release, shift, or find new ways to carry your experiences and move within - or break free from - the systems you're a part of (systems like: family, school, work, community, and society).
I really enjoy working with folks new to therapy and LGBTQIA+ community.
The line between what we want, need, and can deal with can be a juggling act. Striking a balance is not always easy. Think of your life as an overflowing suitcase. Consider what it would be like to have help opening that suitcase, and take out or adjust a few things in it to lessen the load. That's working with me. I aim to help you find and learn to value your truest self and work on how to release, shift, or find new ways to carry your experiences and move within - or break free from - the systems you're a part of (systems like: family, school, work, community, and society).
![Photo of Danielle Vanaman, LMFT, MA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a79bb4b-5247-4b7f-96d6-260d2104e798/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Vanaman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Leandro, CA 94577 (Online Only)
I believe therapy is a collaborative and creative endeavor, and provide a safe, supportive environment for you to explore your identity, relationships, history, and desired changes. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you create lasting changes, and am also influenced by Mindfulness, Narrative, Relational, and Systemic approaches to therapy. I am certified in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program and trained in Trauma-Focused CBT. I am also supportive and affirmative of clients of all sexual orientations and gender identifications, and can assist with issues such as coming out, homophobia, and LGBT relationship or parenting issues.
I believe therapy is a collaborative and creative endeavor, and provide a safe, supportive environment for you to explore your identity, relationships, history, and desired changes. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you create lasting changes, and am also influenced by Mindfulness, Narrative, Relational, and Systemic approaches to therapy. I am certified in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program and trained in Trauma-Focused CBT. I am also supportive and affirmative of clients of all sexual orientations and gender identifications, and can assist with issues such as coming out, homophobia, and LGBT relationship or parenting issues.
![Photo of Eleanor Beckman, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2c68311-a0d6-49a1-bd26-6668a9f26ec9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eleanor Beckman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Leandro, CA 94577
My areas of interest include managing life transitions through a psychodynamic lens and addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, LGBTQIA+ concerns, family dynamics, and gender identity.
I am passionate about helping my clients achieve personal growth and mental well-being. I offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or looking to enhance family dynamics, I provide a compassionate and effective approach to help you navigate life's challenges.
I believe in the transformative power of therapy to bring about positive change. I understand that change is hard, and together, we will create goals that feel real and attainable, actively working hand-in-hand to achieve them.
My areas of interest include managing life transitions through a psychodynamic lens and addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, LGBTQIA+ concerns, family dynamics, and gender identity.
I am passionate about helping my clients achieve personal growth and mental well-being. I offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or looking to enhance family dynamics, I provide a compassionate and effective approach to help you navigate life's challenges.
I believe in the transformative power of therapy to bring about positive change. I understand that change is hard, and together, we will create goals that feel real and attainable, actively working hand-in-hand to achieve them.
![Photo of Stephanie Pepitone, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cdc085a9-ea34-4bfd-bc57-5584d7deaa6f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Pepitone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Leandro, CA 94577
I work best with adults of all ages, LGBTQIA+, and BIMPOC individuals.
Reaching out for support may feel difficult but you are totally worth it. I can provide you with a place where you will be listened to with compassion and understanding. Through our work together I will bring gentle curiosity to the areas of your life you want to explore. This can look like nurturing any tender wounds, fostering belonging for abandoned parts of yourself, embracing acceptance for things you can't change, and building skills needed for constructing the life and relationships you desire.
I work best with adults of all ages, LGBTQIA+, and BIMPOC individuals.
Reaching out for support may feel difficult but you are totally worth it. I can provide you with a place where you will be listened to with compassion and understanding. Through our work together I will bring gentle curiosity to the areas of your life you want to explore. This can look like nurturing any tender wounds, fostering belonging for abandoned parts of yourself, embracing acceptance for things you can't change, and building skills needed for constructing the life and relationships you desire.
![Photo of Sara Vazquez-Cutler, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d908825-2622-47a9-87f8-98277796345f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Sara Vazquez-Cutler, and I am a first-generation Latina. My pronouns are she/her/they and I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master's of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling through CSU Fresno. I have been working in the psychotherapy field for the past 5 years as an MFT trainee, registered associate MFT, and now as a Licensed MFT. I view therapy as a collaborative approach between you and me working toward the same goals.
Hello, my name is Sara Vazquez-Cutler, and I am a first-generation Latina. My pronouns are she/her/they and I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master's of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling through CSU Fresno. I have been working in the psychotherapy field for the past 5 years as an MFT trainee, registered associate MFT, and now as a Licensed MFT. I view therapy as a collaborative approach between you and me working toward the same goals.
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![Photo of Ken Athey, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b628d9bc-abf0-44b5-b0c8-73098f351d99/1/320x400.png)
Ken Athey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Leandro, CA 94578 (Online Only)
I specialize in relationship issues with over 30 years of clinical experience. I provide compassionate care when you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck. I work on shifting problematic thoughts and behaviors.
I specialize in relationship issues with over 30 years of clinical experience. I provide compassionate care when you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck. I work on shifting problematic thoughts and behaviors.
![Photo of Sandra Ellen Norris, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dc3761d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach balances compassion with being direct. My clients experience care, acceptance and belonging, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow, change and decrease suffering. I offer empathy while actively engaging my clients by setting weekly treatment goals, building coping tools/resources, and providing skills/knowledge to build self-awareness and integration. We are deeply influenced by our cultural identity and heritage. I am committed to the values of respecting and celebrating diversity, and supporting social/political policies of equal rights and opportunities.
My approach balances compassion with being direct. My clients experience care, acceptance and belonging, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow, change and decrease suffering. I offer empathy while actively engaging my clients by setting weekly treatment goals, building coping tools/resources, and providing skills/knowledge to build self-awareness and integration. We are deeply influenced by our cultural identity and heritage. I am committed to the values of respecting and celebrating diversity, and supporting social/political policies of equal rights and opportunities.
![Photo of Jason D Ranieri, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b38bbb2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Looking at all these photos and profiles can be overwhelming especially when you are anxious, depressed, or arguing with your partner constantly. Here's a simple solution: Call me. Over the years couples have told me things like: “I get blamed for everything,” “I’m always on the lookout for the next sneak attack,” and “The passion has died.” I help couples work to improve their relationships. I have developed a program where you learn how to be confident in your relationship, reduce daily stress, feel like you can count on one another, and get your sex life back. A phone call could be your first step toward feeling better.
Looking at all these photos and profiles can be overwhelming especially when you are anxious, depressed, or arguing with your partner constantly. Here's a simple solution: Call me. Over the years couples have told me things like: “I get blamed for everything,” “I’m always on the lookout for the next sneak attack,” and “The passion has died.” I help couples work to improve their relationships. I have developed a program where you learn how to be confident in your relationship, reduce daily stress, feel like you can count on one another, and get your sex life back. A phone call could be your first step toward feeling better.
![Photo of Joanna Zygmont - Health and Wellness Psychology, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, ACSW, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a41d7864-12af-4a27-8402-4ed0d09dcaee/3/320x400.jpeg)
Health and Wellness Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, ACSW
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94577
No longer alone. We are here with you. In life, we experience different events, such as the recent pandemic, financial stress, overwhelming anxiety and pressure, the loss of a loved one, the unexpected divorce, a difficult birth, etc. and adjust the best we can, using our strengths and supports. We mostly do well. However, sometimes our coping strategies are insufficient to achieve our long term goals and heal our emotional and/or relationship wounds. You turn to others for support and guidance, such as family, friends, religious and ethnic community, and sometimes, you want to go deeper within yourself to seek out the answers.
No longer alone. We are here with you. In life, we experience different events, such as the recent pandemic, financial stress, overwhelming anxiety and pressure, the loss of a loved one, the unexpected divorce, a difficult birth, etc. and adjust the best we can, using our strengths and supports. We mostly do well. However, sometimes our coping strategies are insufficient to achieve our long term goals and heal our emotional and/or relationship wounds. You turn to others for support and guidance, such as family, friends, religious and ethnic community, and sometimes, you want to go deeper within yourself to seek out the answers.
![Photo of Shari Unitan - Shari Unitan, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5178b0bb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you experiencing marital conflict? Do you worry about how conflict with your mate affects your children? I have over 20 years experience working with clients dealing with a wide variety of issues, including family conflict, divorce, child custody, parenting issues, depression, addiction, and anxiety.
Research has proven that the parental relationship directly impacts a child's self esteem and social skills.
I am a warm, dynamic and solution oriented therapist. I work along side you, to help you identify and overcome the problems which are causing pain in your life.
Are you experiencing marital conflict? Do you worry about how conflict with your mate affects your children? I have over 20 years experience working with clients dealing with a wide variety of issues, including family conflict, divorce, child custody, parenting issues, depression, addiction, and anxiety.
Research has proven that the parental relationship directly impacts a child's self esteem and social skills.
I am a warm, dynamic and solution oriented therapist. I work along side you, to help you identify and overcome the problems which are causing pain in your life.
![Photo of Kamailia Williams, MA , MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/033aea17-81ba-490b-aa7a-6a45bdfeea99/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kamailia Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , MFT
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94577 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
We all need support at some point in our lives, yet asking for help can be one of the hardest things to do. Everyone deserves to live their best life, use their voice and be free in their body. As humans our sense of self is shaped by old stories, the environment we grew up and live in, relationships, past traumas, impacted socio-political-economic and cultural influences, that may have clouded our vision of ourselves or who we want to be. My service as a therapist is to help you speak your truth. Find your way back to yourself. Reinvent, rediscover, tell and rewrite your story. Change is a moment by moment process.
We all need support at some point in our lives, yet asking for help can be one of the hardest things to do. Everyone deserves to live their best life, use their voice and be free in their body. As humans our sense of self is shaped by old stories, the environment we grew up and live in, relationships, past traumas, impacted socio-political-economic and cultural influences, that may have clouded our vision of ourselves or who we want to be. My service as a therapist is to help you speak your truth. Find your way back to yourself. Reinvent, rediscover, tell and rewrite your story. Change is a moment by moment process.
![Photo of Dr. Beatriz Bello, PhD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/002efecb-715b-4dca-9ace-05dd68504063/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that people are resilient with many talents and special attributes that can many times get ignored, silenced, rejected or neglected. Experiences of rejection, neglect, or discrimination may lead us to deny our true selves or feel fearful to be our authentic selves. When we do not get to be our true selves, we may find that we are moving away from the things that bring us joy and peace. In my practice, I strive to foster a compassionate, non-judgmental space to support you in doing the courageous work of shedding unhelpful patterns, narratives and/or traumas that may be preventing you from living authentically.
I believe that people are resilient with many talents and special attributes that can many times get ignored, silenced, rejected or neglected. Experiences of rejection, neglect, or discrimination may lead us to deny our true selves or feel fearful to be our authentic selves. When we do not get to be our true selves, we may find that we are moving away from the things that bring us joy and peace. In my practice, I strive to foster a compassionate, non-judgmental space to support you in doing the courageous work of shedding unhelpful patterns, narratives and/or traumas that may be preventing you from living authentically.
![Photo of Danice J. Friend, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f26b9a10-12b4-41bf-b13b-1fb7575541f6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Danice J. Friend
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94577 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Finding a therapist can be daunting, especially when you are not feeling your best. I am here to assist you on your journey to feeling more like yourself. I have been a licensed psychologist in private practice since 2003. Prior to becoming a psychologist I was an L.V.N. for ten years at Peralta hospital. Primary symptoms treated are anxiety and depression as these symptoms may interfere, with daily activities depending upon the severity (mild, moderate, severe). In addition, life's challenges, such as relationship discord with family, friends, or coworkers, feeling overwhelmed, trauma childhood/adult. Feeling better is the goal.
Finding a therapist can be daunting, especially when you are not feeling your best. I am here to assist you on your journey to feeling more like yourself. I have been a licensed psychologist in private practice since 2003. Prior to becoming a psychologist I was an L.V.N. for ten years at Peralta hospital. Primary symptoms treated are anxiety and depression as these symptoms may interfere, with daily activities depending upon the severity (mild, moderate, severe). In addition, life's challenges, such as relationship discord with family, friends, or coworkers, feeling overwhelmed, trauma childhood/adult. Feeling better is the goal.
![Photo of Dr. Kimberly Whitaker, PsyD, MS, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b838b632-e065-4d8f-a973-5c533acceffc/3/320x400.jpeg)
Helping you to discover your authentic self and live a fulfilling life is our specialty. Many times we find ourselves seeking help for answers to fix our lives. It is important to know you are not alone. Whitaker, Inc.'s team will work in collaboration with you to motivate and support you, while creating the life and career of your dreams. Our counselors provide a supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment. We provide techniques that will increase opportunities for success. Whatever your reason for seeking a Life Coach or Spiritual Counselor, together we will discover the path to the authentic YOU.
Helping you to discover your authentic self and live a fulfilling life is our specialty. Many times we find ourselves seeking help for answers to fix our lives. It is important to know you are not alone. Whitaker, Inc.'s team will work in collaboration with you to motivate and support you, while creating the life and career of your dreams. Our counselors provide a supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment. We provide techniques that will increase opportunities for success. Whatever your reason for seeking a Life Coach or Spiritual Counselor, together we will discover the path to the authentic YOU.
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Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for San Leandro
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Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.